Work layer imaging and analysis for implement monitoring, control and operator feedback

ABSTRACT

A soil imaging system having a work layer sensor disposed on an agricultural implement to generate an electromagnetic field through a soil area of interest as the agricultural implement traverses a field. A monitor in communication with the work layer sensor is adapted to generate a work layer image of the soil layer of interest based on the generated electromagnetic field. The work layer sensor may also generate a reference image by generating an electromagnetic field through undisturbed soil. The monitor may compare at least one characteristic of the reference image with at least one characteristic of the work layer image to generate a characterized image of the work layer of interest. The monitor may display operator feedback and may effect operational control of the agricultural implement based on the characterized image.

This application is a U.S. National Stage Patent Application filed under35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Patent Application No.PCT/US2016/031201 filed May 6, 2016, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/159,058, filed May 8, 2015, theentire contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference asif fully set forth herein for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

It is well known that proper and uniform seed trench depth, accurateplacement of seed within the seed trench (at the proper depth and properspacing), good seed-to-soil contact, and minimal crop residue within theseed trench are all critical factors in uniform seed emergence and highyields. Accordingly, various planter improvements have been proposed toachieve each of these factors. While conducting spot checks of the seedtrench may help to provide some assurances that these critical factorsare being achieved, such spot checks will only identify the conditionsat the specific location being checked. Accordingly, there is a need fora system that will image the seed trench to verify and ensure thesecritical factors are being achieved during planting operations and toenable automatic or remote adjustment of the planter while on-the-gobased on the images. There is a similar need forbelow-soil-surfacing-imaging and control for other types of agriculturalimplements, including tillage implements, sidedress or in-groundfertilizing implements and agricultural data gathering implements.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates one embodiment of a work layer sensor,in elevation view, disposed in relation a seed trench.

FIGS. 2A-2C are representative examples of work layer images generatedby the work layer sensor of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates another embodiment of a work layersensor, in plan view, disposed in relation to a seed trench.

FIG. 4A-4B are representative examples of work layer images generated bythe work layer sensor of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates another embodiment of a work layersensor, in elevation view, disposed in relation to a seed trench.

FIG. 6 is a representative example of a work layer image generated bythe work layer sensor of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a row unit of anagricultural planter incorporating a work layer sensor of FIG. 1, 3 or5.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a work layer implement monitoring,control and operator feedback system.

FIG. 9 is a chart showing a process for work layer implement monitoring,control and operator feedback.

DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designateidentical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1,3 and 5 schematically illustrate alternative embodiments of a work layersensor 100 to generate a signal or image representative of the soildensities or other soil characteristics throughout a soil region ofinterest, hereinafter referred to as the “work layer” 104. Therepresentative image or signal generated by the work layer sensor 100 ishereinafter referred to as the “work layer image” 110. In one particularapplication discussed later, the work layer sensors 100 may be mountedto a planter row unit 200 (FIG. 7) for generating a work layer image 110of the seed trench as the planter traverses the field. The work layerimage 110 may be displayed on a monitor 300 visible to an operatorwithin the cab of a tractor and the planter may be equipped with variousactuators for controlling the planter based on the characteristics ofthe work layer 104 as determined from the work layer image 110.

The work layer sensor 100 for generating the work layer image 110 maycomprise a ground penetrating radar system, an ultrasound system, anaudible range sound system, an electrical current system or any othersuitable system for generating an electromagnetic field 102 through thework layer 104 to produce the work layer image 110. It should beunderstood that the depth and width of the work layer 104 may varydepending on the agricultural implement and operation being performed.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a work layersensor 100-1 disposed in relation to a seed trench 10 formed in the soil11 by a planter, wherein the seed trench 10 comprises the soil region ofinterest or work layer 104. In this embodiment, the work layer sensor100-1 comprises a transmitter (T1) disposed on one side of the seedtrench 10 and a receiver (R1) disposed on the other side of the seedtrench 10 to produce the electromagnetic field 102 through the seedtrench to generate the work layer image 110.

In some embodiments, the work layer sensor 100 may comprise aground-penetration radar subsurface inspection system such as any of thefollowing commercially available systems: (1) the StructureScan™ Mini HRavailable from GSSI in Nashua, N.H.; (2) the 3d-Radar GeoScope™ Mk IVcoupled to a 3d-Radar VX-Series and/or DX-Series multi-channel antenna,all available from 3d-Radar AS in Trondheim, Norway; or (3) the MALAImaging Radar Array System available from MALA Geoscience in Mala,Sweden. In such embodiments, the commercially available system may bemounted to the planter or other implement, or may be mounted to a cartwhich moves with the implement; in either case the system is preferablydisposed to capture an image of a work layer in the area of interest(e.g., the seed trench). In some embodiments, the work layer image 110may be generated from the signal outputs of the work layer sensor 100using commercially available software such as GPR-SLICE (e.g., version7.0) available from GeoHiRes International Ltd. located in Borken,Germany.

FIGS. 2A-2C are intended to be representative examples of work layerimages 110 generated by the work layer sensor 100-1 of FIG. 1 showingvarious characteristics of the seed trench 10, including, for example,the trench depth, the trench shape, depth of seed 12, the seed depthrelative to the trench depth, crop residue 14 in the trench, and thevoid spaces 16 within the trench. As described in more detail later, thework layer images 110 may be used to determine other characteristics ofthe work layer 104, including, for example, the seed-to-soil contact,percentage of trench closed, percentage of upper half of trench closed,percentage of lower half of trench closed, moisture of the soil, etc.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates, in plan view, another embodiment of awork layer sensor 100-2 disposed with respect to a seed trench 10. Inthis embodiment, a transmitter (T1) is disposed on one side of the seedtrench 10, a first receiver (R1) is disposed on the other side of theseed trench 10, and a second receiver (R2) is disposed adjacent andrearward of the transmitter (T1). FIG. 4A is a representativeillustration of the work layer image 110 generated through the trenchbetween the transmitter (T1) and the first receiver (R1)) and FIG. 4B isa representative illustration of the work layer image 110 generatedbetween the transmitter (T1) and the second receiver (R2) providing animage of the undisturbed soil adjacent to the seed trench.

FIG. 5 is an elevation view schematically illustrating another worklayer sensor embodiment 100-3 disposed with respect to a seed trench 10.In this embodiment, the work layer sensor 100-3 comprises a plurality oftransmitter and receiver pairs disposed above and transverse to the seedtrench 10.

FIG. 6 is a representative illustration of the work layer image 110generated by the work layer sensor 100-3 of FIG. 5 which provides a viewnot only of the seed trench but also a portion of the soil adjacent toeach side of the seed trench.

For each of the work layer sensor embodiments 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, thefrequency of operation of the work layer sensors 100 and the verticalposition of the transmitters (T) and receivers (R) above the soil andthe spacing between the transmitters (T) and receivers (R) are selectedto minimize signal to noise ratio while also capturing the desired depthand width of the soil region of interest (the work layer 104) for whichthe work layer image 110 is generated.

Planter Applications

FIG. 7 illustrates one example of a particular application of the worklayer sensors 100 disposed on a row unit 200 of an agricultural planter.The row unit 200 includes a work layer sensor 100A disposed on a forwardend of the row unit 200 and a work layer sensor 100B disposed rearwardend of the row unit 200. The forward and rearward work layer sensors100A, 100B may comprise any of the embodiments of the work layer sensors100-1, 100-2, 100-3 previously described.

The forward work layer sensor 100A is disposed to generate a referencework layer image (hereinafter a “reference layer image”) 110A of thesoil prior to the soil being disturbed by the planter, whereas therearward work layer sensor 100B generates the work layer image 110B,which in this example, is the image of the closed seed trench 10 inwhich the seed has been deposited and covered with soil. For the reasonsexplained later, it is desirable to obtain both a reference image 110Aand the work layer image 110B for analysis of the soil characteristicsthrough the work layer 104.

It should be appreciated that the forward and rearward work layersensors 100A, 100B referenced in FIG. 7 may employ any of theembodiments 100-1, 100-2 or 100-3 previously described. However, itshould be appreciated that if the embodiments 100-2 or 100-3 areemployed, the forward work layer sensor 100A may be eliminated becausethe embodiments 100-2 and 100-3 are configured to generate the worklayer images 110 of undisturbed soil adjacent to the seed trench 10which could serve as the reference layer image 110A.

With respect to FIG. 7, the row unit 200 is comprised of a frame 204pivotally connected to the toolbar 202 by a parallel linkage 206enabling each row unit 200 to move vertically independently of thetoolbar 202. The frame 204 operably supports one or more hoppers 208, aseed meter 210, a seed delivery mechanism 212, a downforce controlsystem 214, a seed trench opening assembly 220, a trench closingassembly 250, a packer wheel assembly 260, and a row cleaner assembly270. It should be understood that the row unit 200 shown in FIG. 7 maybe for a conventional planter or the row unit 200 may be a central fillplanter, in which case the hoppers 208 may be replaced with one or moremini-hoppers and the frame 204 modified accordingly as would berecognized by those of skill in the art.

The downforce control system 214 is disposed to apply lift and/ordownforce on the row unit 200 such as disclosed in U.S. Publication No.US2014/0090585, which is incorporated herein in its entirety byreference.

The seed trench opening assembly 220 includes a pair of opening discs222 rotatably supported by a downwardly extending shank member 205 ofthe frame 204. The opening discs 222 are arranged to diverge outwardlyand rearwardly so as to open a v-shaped trench 10 in the soil 11 as theplanter traverses the field. The seed delivery mechanism 212, such as aseed tube or seed conveyor, is positioned between the opening discs 222to deliver seed from the seed meter 210 and deposit it into the openedseed trench 10. The depth of the seed trench 10 is controlled by a pairof gauge wheels 224 positioned adjacent to the opening discs 222. Thegauge wheels 224 are rotatably supported by gauge wheel arms 226 whichare pivotally secured at one end to the frame 204 about pivot pin 228. Arocker arm 230 is pivotally supported on the frame 204 by a pivot pin232. It should be appreciated that rotation of the rocker arm 230 aboutthe pivot pin 232 sets the depth of the trench 10 by limiting the upwardtravel of the gauge wheel arms 226 (and thus the gauge wheels) relativeto the opening discs 222. The rocker arm 230 may be adjustablypositioned via a linear actuator 234 mounted to the row unit frame 204and pivotally coupled to an upper end of the rocker arm 230. The linearactuator 234 may be controlled remotely or automatically actuated asdisclosed, for example, in International Publication No. WO2014/186810,which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

A downforce sensor 238 is configured to generate a signal related to theamount of force imposed by the gauge wheels 224 on the soil. In someembodiments the pivot pin 232 for the rocker arm 230 may comprise thedownforce sensor 238, such as the instrumented pins disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 8,561,472, which is incorporated herein in its entirety byreference.

The seed meter 210 may be any commercially available seed meter, such asthe finger-type meter or vacuum seed meter, such as the VSet® meter,available from Precision Planting LLC, 23207 Townline Rd, Tremont, Ill.61568.

The trench closing assembly 250 includes a closing wheel arm 252 whichpivotally attaches to the row unit frame 204. A pair of offset closingwheels 254 are rotatably attached to the closing wheel arm 252 andangularly disposed to direct soil back into the open seed trench so asto “close” the soil trench. An actuator 256 may be pivotally attached atone end to the closing wheel arm 252 and at its other end to the rowunit frame 204 to vary the down pressure exerted by the closing wheels254 depending on soil conditions. The closing wheel assembly 250 may beof the type disclosed in International Publication No. WO2014/066650,which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

The packer wheel assembly 260 comprises an arm 262 pivotally attached tothe row unit fame 204 and extends rearward of the closing wheel assembly250 and in alignment therewith. The arm 262 rotatably supports a packerwheel 264. An actuator 266 is pivotally attached at one end to the armand at its other end to the row unit frame 204 to vary the amount ofdownforce exerted by the packer wheel 264 to pack the soil over the seedtrench 10.

The row cleaner assembly 270 may be the CleanSweep® system availablefrom Precision Planting LLC, 23207 Townline Rd, Tremont, Ill. 61568. Therow cleaner assembly 270 includes an arm 272 pivotally attached to theforward end of the row unit frame 204 and aligned with the trenchopening assembly 220. A pair of row cleaner wheels 274 are rotatablyattached to the forward end of the arm 272. An actuator 276 is pivotallyattached at one end to the arm 272 and at its other end to the row unitframe 204 to adjust the downforce on the arm to vary the aggressivenessof the action of the row cleaning wheels 274 depending on the amount ofcrop residue and soil conditions.

It should be appreciated that rather than positioning the work layersensors 100 as shown in FIG. 7, the work layer sensors may be positionedafter the row cleaner assembly 270 and before the trench openingassembly 220 or in one or more other locations between the trenchopening discs 222 and the closing wheels 254 or the packing wheel 264depending on the soil region or characteristics of interest.

Planter Control and Operator Feedback

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a system 500 which employs worklayer sensors 100 to provide operator feedback and to control theplanter row unit 200. Work layer sensors 100A, 100B are disposed togenerate a reference layer image 110A of undisturbed soil and a worklayer image 110B of the closed seed trench (i.e., after seed isdeposited, covered with soil by the closing wheel assembly 250 and thesoil packed with the packing wheel assembly 260). As previouslydescribed, the work layer sensors 100A, 100B may be separate work layersensors disposed forward and rearward of the row unit 200 as illustratedin FIG. 7, or the work layer sensors 100A, 100B may comprise a singlework layer sensor with transmitters (T) and receivers (R) disposed togenerate both a reference layer image 110A and a work layer image 110B.

The work layer image 110B may be communicated and displayed to theoperator on a monitor 300 comprising a display, a controller and userinterface such as a graphical user interface (GUI), within the cab ofthe tractor.

The monitor 300 may be in signal communication with a GPS unit 310, therow cleaner actuator 276, the downforce control system 214, the depthadjustment actuator 234, the trench closing assembly actuator 256 andthe packer wheel assembly actuator 266 to enable operational control ofthe planter based on the characteristics of the work layer image 110B.

For example, if the work layer image 110B indicates that residue in theseed trench 10 is above a predetermined threshold (as explained below),a signal is generated by the monitor 300 to actuate the row cleaneractuator 276 to increase row cleaner downforce. As another example, ifthe seed depth is less than a predetermined threshold (as explainedbelow), a signal is generated by the monitor 300 to actuate thedownforce control system 214 to increase the downforce and/or to actuatethe depth adjustment actuator 234 to adjust the gauge wheels 234relative to the opening discs 232 to increase the trench depth. Likewiseif the seed depth is greater than a predetermined threshold, a signal isgenerated by the monitor 300 to actuate the downforce control system 214to decrease the downforce and/or to actuate the depth adjustmentactuator 234 to decrease the trench depth. As another example, if theupper portion of the trench has more than a threshold level of voidspace (as explained below), a signal is generated by the monitor 300 toactuate the trench closing wheel assembly actuator 256 to increase thedownforce on the closing wheels 254. As another example, if the lowerportion of the trench has more than a threshold level of void space (asexplained below), a signal is generated by the monitor 300 to actuatethe packer wheel assembly actuator 266 to increase the downforce on thepacker wheel 264.

In still other examples, the work layer image 110B may identify and/oranalyze (e.g., determine depth, area, volume, density or other qualitiesor quantities of) subterranean features of interest such as tile lines,large rocks, or compaction layers resulting from tillage and other fieldtraffic. Such subterranean features may be displayed to the user on themonitor 300 and/or identified by the monitor 300 using an empiricalcorrelation between image properties and a set of subterranean featuresexpected to be encountered in the field. In one such example, the areatraversed by the gauge wheels (or other wheels) of the planter (ortractor or other implement or vehicle) may be analyzed to determine adepth and/or soil density of a compaction layer beneath the wheels. Insome such examples, the area of the work layer image may be divided intosub-regions for analysis based on anticipated subterranean features insuch sub-regions (e.g., the area traversed by the gauge wheels may beanalyzed for compaction).

In other examples, the monitor 300 may estimate a soil property (e.g.,soil moisture, organic matter, or electrical conductivity, water tablelevel) based on image properties of the work layer image 110B anddisplay the soil property to the user as a numerical (e.g., average orcurrent) value or a spatial map of the soil property at geo-referencedlocations in the field associated with each soil property measurement(e.g., by correlating measurements with concurrent geo-referencedlocations reported the GPS unit 310).

Alternatively or additionally, the monitor 300 could be programmed todisplay operational recommendations based on the characteristics of thework layer image 110B. For example, if the work layer image 110Bidentifies that the seed 12 is irregularly spaced in the trench 10 or ifthe seed 12 is not being uniformly deposited in the base of the trench,or if the spacing of the seed 12 in the trench does not match theanticipated spacing of the seed based on the signals generated by theseed sensor or speed of the seed meter, such irregular spacing,non-uniform positioning or other inconsistencies with anticipatedspacing may be due to excess speed causing seed bounce within the trenchor excess vertical acceleration of the row unit. As such, the monitor300 may be programmed to recommend decreasing the planting speed or tosuggest increasing downforce (if not automatically controlled aspreviously described) to reduce vertical acceleration of the planter rowunits. Likewise to the extent the other actuators 276, 214, 234, 256,266 are not integrated with the monitor controller, the monitor may beprogrammed to display recommendations to the operator to make manual orremote adjustments as previously described based on the characteristicsof the work layer image 110B.

FIG. 9 illustrates the process steps for controlling the planter andproviding operator feedback. At steps 510 and 512, the reference image110A and work layer image 110B is generated by the work image sensor(s)100. At step 514, the work layer image 110B may be displayed to theoperator on the monitor 300 in the cab of the tractor. At step 516, thereference layer image 110A is compared with the work layer image 110B tocharacterize the work layer image. At step 518, the characterized worklayer image 110B is compared to predetermined thresholds. At step 520,control decisions are made based on the comparison of the characterizedwork layer image 110B with the predetermined thresholds. At step 522,the planter components may be controlled by the monitor 300 generatingsignals to actuate one or more of the corresponding actuators 276, 214,234, 256, 266 and/or at step 524, corresponding recommendations may bedisplayed to the operator on the monitor display.

To characterize the work layer image 110B at step 516, the monitor 300compares one or more characteristics (e.g., density) of the referenceimage 110A with the same characteristics of the work layer image 110B.In some embodiments, a characterized image may be generated comprisingonly portions of the work layer image differing from the reference imageby at least a threshold value. The characterized image may then be usedto identify and define features of the work layer image 110B, such asthe trench shape, the trench depth, residue in the trench, seeds andseed placement within the trench, void spaces within the trench, anddensity differences of the soil within the trench.

For example, to determine the seed depth, the seed is identified oridentifiable from the work layer image 110B by determining regionswithin the work layer image having a size or shape corresponding to aseed and having a density range empirically corresponding to seed. Oncea region is identified as a seed, the vertical position of the seed withrespect to the soil surface is readily measurable or determined.

As another example, the amount of residue in the trench can bedetermined by (a) defining the area of the trench cross-section (basedon soil density differences between the reference image 110A and thework layer image 110B); (b) by identifying the regions within the trenchhaving a density range empirically corresponding to residue; (c)totaling the area of the regions corresponding to residue; and (d)dividing the residue area by the trench cross-sectional area.

Other Applications

It should be appreciated that work layer sensors 100 may be employedwith other agricultural implements and operations, such as, for example,tillage operations and/or side-dress fertilization operations, or inconnection with agricultural data gathering operations to view oranalyze below-surface soil characteristics, seed placement, rootstructure, location of underground water-management features such astiling, etc.

When employed with tillage implements, the work layer sensors 100 may bedisposed forward of any tillage tools (i.e., shank, disk, blade, knife,spoon, coulter, etc.) or between forward and rearward spaced tillagetools and/or rearward of any tillage tools.

When employed with sidedress or other in-ground fertilization tools, thework layer sensors 100 may be disposed forward or rearward of anysidedress or in-ground tools (i.e., shank, disk, blade, knife, spoon,coulter, leveling basket harrows, etc.).

When employed with a dedicated measurement implement, the work layersensors 100 may be disposed above undisturbed soil which may or may nothave residue cleared by a row cleaner.

For the tillage implements and sidedress or in-ground fertilizationtools, actuators on these implements can be automatically controlled toadjust depth of the tillage tools or the monitor 300 can be programmedto provide feedback or recommendations to the operator to manuallyadjust or remotely adjust the actuators as described above with respectto the planter application. For example, if the feedback orrecommendations to the operator indicate that the depth of the tillagetools should be adjusted, an actuator associated with ground engagingwheels supporting the toolbar or a section of the toolbar may beactuated to raise or lower the toolbar to decrease or increase the depthof penetration of the toolbars. Alternatively, separate actuators may beassociated with individual tillage tools to adjust the depth of theindividual tillage tools. As another example, if the work layer imagesindicate that the implement is approaching more dense or compact soil,actuators associated to adjust downforce or pressure may be actuated toincrease the downforce as the implement passes through the more dense orcompact soil. In other embodiments if the work layer images across thewidth of the implement indicate that one side or the other is tillingthe soil more aggressively, an actuator associated with a wing of theimplement may be actuated to ensure balancing of the aggressiveness oftillage tools across the side-to-side width of the implement. Likewisean actuator associated with fore and aft leveling of the implement maybe actuated to ensure aggressiveness of tools on the front of theimplement are balanced with those on the back. In still otherembodiments, actuators may be provided to adjust the angle of attack ofa disc gang or wing of a tillage implement, or individual tillage toolsdepending on the work layer images and operator feedback as theimplement traverses the field encountering different soil conditions.

The foregoing description is presented to enable one of ordinary skillin the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the contextof a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications tothe preferred embodiment of the apparatus, and the general principlesand features of the system and methods described herein will be readilyapparent to those of skill in the art. Thus, the present invention isnot to be limited to the embodiments of the apparatus, system andmethods described above and illustrated in the drawing figures, but isto be accorded the widest scope consistent with the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A soil imaging system, comprising: at leastone work layer sensor disposed on an agricultural implement traveling ina forward direction of travel while performing a soil working operation,the at least one work layer sensor disposed at or behind theagricultural implement to generate an electromagnetic field through asoil layer of interest as or after the soil layer has been worked by thesoil working operation; a monitor in communication with the work layersensor and adapted to generate a work layer image of the soil layer ofinterest based on the generated electromagnetic field through the soillayer of interest as or after the soil has been worked by the soilworking operation, wherein the monitor generates a reference image basedon an electromagnetic field generated through the undisturbed soil,wherein the monitor compares at least one characteristic of thereference image with at least one characteristic of the work layer imageand generates a characterized image of the soil layer of interest. 2.The soil imaging system of claim 1 wherein the monitor estimates a soilproperty based on the work layer image.
 3. The soil imaging system ofclaim 2 wherein the monitor displays the estimated soil property as anumerical value associated with a geo-referenced location in the fieldto define a spatial map of the field based on the estimated soilproperties.
 4. The soil imaging system of claim 2, wherein the at leastone work layer sensor is disposed on a row unit of an agriculturalplanter in relation to a seed trench formed by the row unit and whereinthe work layer sensor generates a work layer image of the seed trench.5. The soil imaging system of claim 4, wherein the at least one worklayer sensor generates the electromagnetic field through undisturbedsoil outside of the seed trench.
 6. The soil imaging system of claim 5,wherein the monitor compares at least one characteristic of thereference image with at least one characteristic of the work layer imageand generates a characterized image of the seed trench.
 7. The soilimaging system of claim 6, wherein the characterized image identifiesthe seed trench shape.
 8. The soil imaging system of claim 6, whereinthe characterized image identifies the seed trench depth.
 9. The soilimaging system of claim 8, wherein the characterized image identifiesdepth of seed deposited in the seed trench relative to the trench depth.10. The soil imaging system of claim 9, wherein if the characterizedimage identifies seed depth is less than a predetermined threshold, themonitor generates a signal to actuate a downforce control actuator onthe planter row unit to increase the downforce.
 11. The soil imagingsystem of claim 9, wherein if the characterized image identifies seeddepth is less than a predetermined threshold, the monitor generates asignal to actuate a depth adjustment actuator on the planter row unit toincrease the trench depth.
 12. The soil imaging system of claim 6,wherein the characterized image identifies crop residue in the seedtrench.
 13. The soil imaging system of claim 12, wherein if thecharacterized image identifies that crop residue in the seed trench isabove a predetermined threshold, the monitor generates a signal toactuate a row cleaner actuator on the planter row unit to increase rowcleaner downforce.
 14. The soil imaging system of claim 6, wherein thecharacterized image identifies void spaces within the seed trench. 15.The soil imaging system of claim 14, wherein if the characterized imageidentifies that an upper portion of the seed trench has more than athreshold level of void space, the monitor generates a signal to actuatea trench closing wheel assembly actuator on the planter row unit toincrease downforce of the closing wheel assembly.
 16. The soil imagingsystem of claim 6, wherein the monitor determines seed-to-soil contactbased on the characterized image.
 17. The soil imaging system of claim6, wherein the monitor determines a percentage closed of the seed trenchbased on the characterized image.
 18. The soil imaging system of claim6, wherein the monitor determines a percentage of upper portion closedof the seed trench based on the characterized image.
 19. The soilimaging system of claim 18, wherein if the characterized imageidentifies that a lower portion of the seed trench has more than athreshold level of void space, the monitor generates a signal to actuatea packer wheel assembly actuator on the planter row unit to increasedownforce on the packer wheel.
 20. The soil imaging system of claim 6,wherein the monitor determines a percentage of lower portion closed ofthe seed trench based on the characterized image.
 21. The soil imagingsystem of claim 5, wherein the at least one work layer sensor comprisesa transmitter disposed on one side of the seed trench, a first receiverdisposed on the other side of the seed trench to generate the work layerimage of the seed trench, and a second receiver is disposed adjacent andrearward of the transmitter to produce the reference image outside ofthe seed trench.
 22. The soil imaging system of claim 5, wherein the atleast one work layer sensor comprises a plurality of transmitter andreceiver pairs disposed above and transverse to the seed trench, whereinthe transmitter and receiver pairs disposed above the seed trenchgenerate the work layer image of the seed trench, and the transmitterand receiver pairs disposed transverse to the seed trench produce thereference image outside of the seed trench.
 23. The soil imaging systemof claim 4, wherein the at least one work layer sensor comprises atransmitter disposed on one side of the seed trench and a receiverdisposed on the other side of the seed trench to generate the work layerimage of the seed trench.
 24. The soil imaging system of claim 1,further comprising at least one reference sensor generating theelectromagnetic field through undisturbed soil ahead of the agriculturalimplement while traveling in the forward direction of travel.
 25. Thesoil imaging system of claim 24, wherein the monitor compares at leastone characteristic of the reference image with at least onecharacteristic of the work layer image and generates a characterizedimage of a work layer of interest.
 26. The soil imaging system of claim25, wherein the monitor displays operator feedback based on thecharacterized image.
 27. The soil imaging system of claim 25, whereinthe monitor effects operational control of the agricultural implementbased on the characterized image.
 28. The soil imaging system of claim1, wherein the soil working operation is one of seed planting, tillage,sidedress, or in-ground fertilization.
 29. A soil imaging system,comprising: a toolbar comprising at least one agricultural implement,the at least one agricultural implement performing at least one soilworking operation; at least one work layer sensor disposed adjacent tothe at least one agricultural implement, the work layer sensorgenerating an electromagnetic field through a soil layer of interest asthe agricultural implement traverses a field; a monitor in communicationwith the work layer sensor and adapted to generate a work layer image ofthe soil layer of interest based on the generated electromagnetic fieldthrough the soil layer of interest as the agricultural implementtraverses the field, wherein the monitor generates a reference imagebased on an electromagnetic field generated through the undisturbedsoil, wherein the monitor compares at least one characteristic of thereference image with at least one characteristic of the work layer imageand generates a characterized image of the soil layer of interest. 30.The soil imaging system of claim 29, wherein there is a work layersensor disposed adjacent to each agricultural implement.
 31. The soilimaging system of claim 30, wherein the work layer sensor is at orbehind each agricultural implement.